An accident at work can leave people injured and unable to support their families. In the worst cases, they may die from their injuries, leaving their families without income.
People in many jobs are at risk of fatal accidents while working. People who drive for work could end up in fatal car accidents. Construction workers could fall or suffer fatal electric shocks. Hospital workers could die due to contact with bodily fluids or a violent patient.
Surviving family members may have serious financial losses after a wrongful death from a workplace injury. While workers’ compensation can cover some costs, like medical bills, there are gaps in the benefits, such as no benefits for full wage replacement or personal losses such as pain and suffering.
In some cases, you can file a separate wrongful death claim against a negligent employer or a negligent third party such as a manufacturer of defective tools or a subcontractor. A wrongful death lawsuit can give you additional money to make up for your financial losses.
Full wage replacement and other financial losses
Workers’ comp death benefits can only replace up to two-thirds of a worker’s wages. This may not be enough for the surviving family to live on. Filing a wrongful death claim can give you full reimbursement of their total wages.
A wrongful death case can also provide reimbursement of your family member’s monetary contributions and service to your household, such as childcare and chores.
Pain and suffering
There are no workers’ comp benefits to cover pain and suffering. With a wrongful death lawsuit, though, you can get compensation for your loved one’s pain and suffering before their death. You can get compensation for your emotional distress from their death. You may also get damages for the personal loss you suffered.
We can help you with a wrongful death claim
Getting the compensation you need after the loss of a loved one to a work injury may require legal help, as the wrongful death claims process can be complex. Grieving families may want to work with an attorney so that they can focus on healing instead of on paperwork and red tape.